Optical fiber cable testing tool

Abstract

A method of testing optical fiber communication channels includes sending, by a first termination unit of a test tool, a plurality of test parameters over at least one of a plurality of communication channels to a second termination unit of the test tool, the plurality of communication channels extending from a first cable endpoint to a second cable endpoint through at least one optical fiber cable. The first cable endpoint is connected to the first termination unit and the second cable endpoint is connected to the second termination unit, and the plurality of test parameters includes a wavelength of a plurality of test signals. The method also includes sending, by the first termination unit, the plurality of test signals over the plurality of communication channels to the second termination unit, and receiving test results over at least one of the plurality of communication channels.

Description

Background Technology

[0001] This disclosure relates to communication systems, and more specifically, to test tools for fiber optic communication lanes.

[0002] Data centers can include a large number of fiber optic cables running between components. A data center can include routing between multiple systems and patch panels, and it can also employ multiple different fiber optic cable polarities. Despite careful planning, incorrect cabling can sometimes be used during new installations or upgrades. This can lead to incorrect or missing data across one or more communication channels. Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, a method for testing an optical fiber communication channel includes: transmitting a first plurality of test parameters from a first termination unit of a test tool to a second termination unit of the test tool through at least one of a plurality of communication channels, the plurality of communication channels extending from a first cable end to a second cable end via at least a first optical fiber cable. The first cable end is connected to the first termination unit, and the second cable end is connected to the second termination unit, and the first plurality of test parameters include a plurality of wavelengths of a first plurality of test signals. The method further includes transmitting the first plurality of test signals from the first termination unit to the second termination unit via the plurality of communication channels, and receiving test results from the second termination unit via at least one of the plurality of communication channels.

[0004] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, an optical fiber communication channel testing system includes: a first termination unit configured to be connected to a first cable endpoint of a first optical fiber cable and configured to transmit metadata communication about the test and transmit optical test signals through at least some communication channels in the first optical fiber cable; a second termination unit configured to be connected to a second cable endpoint communicatively connected to the first cable endpoint and configured to receive metadata communication about the test and optical test signals from at least some communication channels in the first optical fiber cable; and a path database communicatively connected to at least one of the first termination unit and the second termination unit, the path database including data representing a planned communication channel connecting a first server to a second server via a data center, wherein the planned communication channel extends through at least the first optical fiber cable.

[0005] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, a method for testing an optical fiber communication channel includes: receiving test parameters from a first termination unit of a test tool via at least one of a plurality of communication channels, the plurality of communication channels extending from a first cable endpoint to a second cable endpoint via at least a first optical fiber cable, wherein the first cable endpoint is connected to the first termination unit and the second cable endpoint is connected to the second termination unit, and the test parameters include the order of test signals. The method further includes: receiving test signals from the first termination unit via the plurality of communication channels by the second termination unit, and analyzing the test signals based on the test parameters to determine whether the first optical fiber cable has the correct polarity to connect each of the plurality of communication channels as intended in a data center. Attached Figure Description

[0006] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a data center according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0007] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a communication channel of a data center according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0008] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a test tool connected to a communication channel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0009] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of a method for using a testing tool according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0010] Figure 5 This is a flowchart of a method for operating a testing tool according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0011] Figure 6 This is a flowchart of an alternative method for an operational testing tool according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0012] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a test tool connected to a faulty communication channel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] Figure 8 This is a flowchart of a method for analyzing test results according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0014] Figure 1This is a schematic diagram of a data center 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the data center 100 includes existing servers 102 and new servers 104 (collectively referred to as "servers 102 / 104"), patch panels 106A-106C (collectively referred to as "patch panel 106"), a wireless router 108, and fiber optic cables 110A-110F, 110X, and 110Y (collectively referred to as "cables 110"). Each cable 110 includes an optical fiber 112 having a connector 114 at each termination, and the connector 114 is an interconnecting end of the fiber optic cable (also referred to as a cable end) that can engage with other connectors 114 at patch panel 106 (i.e., insert into each other) and with servers 102 / 104. Because the connectors 114 are communicatively connected via optical fibers 112, the connectors 114 can selectively connect servers 102 / 104 and cables 110 together communicatively. Patch panel 106 may be, for example, a support for connectors 114 of cables 110 for organizational and / or structural purposes, and may contain numerous cables 110 (e.g., cables 110X and 110Y) that run between various patch panels 106 in data center 100, which are provided by Figure 1 The three ellipses indicate this. Cables 110X and 110Y can be connected to other hardware (not shown) in data center 100. Additionally, new server 104 is shown in dashed lines because it is a planned addition to data center 100, but new server 104 has not yet been installed. However, fiber optic paths have been planned and cables 110A-110F have been installed, enabling servers 102 / 104 to communicate with each other.

[0015] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of communication channels 116A-116L (collectively referred to as "channel 116"). For clarity, in... Figure 2 Channel 116 is identified only by its letter suffix (e.g., "116A" is marked as "a") at each connector 114 and at servers 102 / 104. Channel 116 traverses data center 100 (e.g., between servers 102 / 104), and each channel 116 comprises multiple segments 118. A segment 118 is a generalized representation of, for example, each individual communication channel in cable 110 (e.g., a filament in optical fiber 112), and segments begin and end at specific locations in connector 114, marked with superscript numbers. For example, when in… Figure 2 When moving from left to right, the first position in cable 110D (marked as " （1） Segment 118, starting at position ) in the sixth position (marked as "") （6） The number of channels 116 in data center 100 can vary, as can the number of segments 118. For example, each cable 110 can have the same number of segments as... Figure 2 The same or different numbers of segments 118 are shown (e.g., two, four, eight, or twenty-four segments 118). Channels 116 and segments 118 have been intentionally planned, for example by a user (not shown), so that servers 102 / 104 can communicate optically within data center 100. As previously mentioned, a large number of cables 110 can be connected to patch panel 106 (e.g., ...). Figure 1 (as shown), but for simplicity, in Figure 2 These other cables (e.g., cables 110X and 110Y) are omitted.

[0016] In the illustrated embodiment, each connector 114 pair is bonded such that cables 110 are physically and communicatively connected with the same orientation each time (allowing segments 118 to be connected in a predictable manner). However, the path of channel 116 can vary depending on the configuration of each cable 110. For example, cables 110A-110C and 110F have type A polarity (also known as straight), where each segment 118 begins and ends at the same position. Additionally, cables 110D and 110E have type B polarity (also known as cross or reverse), where segments 118 end at positions symmetrically opposite to their starting positions. Thus, a segment 118 starting in a first position ends in a sixth position, a segment 118 starting in a second position ends in a fifth position, and a segment 118 starting in a third position ends in a fourth position, and so on (assuming cables 110 have six segments, as with cables 110D and 110E). In other embodiments, some or all of the cables 110 may have different polarities, such as C-type polarity (also known as paired flip-flops). For C-type polarity, each segment 118 is paired with a partner segment (e.g., pairing first and second segments 118), and the two segments 118 end at the position where the other segment begins. For example, if cable 110E is C-type polarity, a segment 118 that begins at the first position ends at the second position, and a segment 118 that begins at the second position ends at the first position. Furthermore, a segment 118 that begins at the third position ends at the fourth position, and a segment 118 that begins at the fourth position ends at the third position, and so on.

[0017] In the illustrated embodiment, cable 110 may have other architectures (e.g., different channel paths and / or include switches). For example, from the perspective of the new server 104, cable 110A separates channels 116A-116F from channels 116G-116L, resulting in a single twelve-channel connector 114 at the new server 104, but two six-channel connectors 114 at patch panel 106A (in... Figure 1As shown, cables 110B and 110C are connected respectively. Similarly, but in reverse, from the perspective of the new server 104, cable 110F again connects to channels 116A-116L for use with the single twelve-channel connector 114 at the existing server 102. The configuration and components of data center 100 allow optical communication signals to be routed through data center 100 (i.e., between servers 102 / 104). For example, channel 116A is located at the first position of the new server 104 (labeled "..."). （1） It begins in A), and in the sixth position of existing server 102 (marked as " （6） The text ends with "A".

[0018] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of test tool 120, which will be connected to some of the channels 116 at different locations inside or outside data center 100' (the name "data center 100'" is used to indicate that tool 120 is connected to cable 110 rather than servers 102 / 104). In the illustrated embodiment, test tool 120 has two separate portable termination units 122A and 122B (collectively referred to as "termination unit 122"). Cables 110 are already connected to each other at patch panel 106 in preparation for installation of servers 104 (e.g., ...). Figure 2 As shown), and termination unit 122A has been connected to the free end of cable 110A (where the new server 104 will go). Existing server 102 has been disconnected from cable 110F (and in Figure 3 (Not shown in the diagram), and instead, termination unit 122B is connected to the unused end of cable 110F (where the existing server 102 is typically located). In this configuration, termination units 122 can be relatively close to each other (e.g., several meters apart) or relatively far apart (e.g., several kilometers apart). Furthermore, test tool 120 can be repositioned to different connectors 114 within data center 100' to test other optical connections as needed, including testing single-point connections (i.e., termination units 122 can be positioned at both ends of the same cable 110).

[0019] In the illustrated embodiment, the test tool 120 includes user interfaces (UIs) 124A and 124B (collectively referred to as "UI 124") and wireless transceivers 126A and 126B (collectively referred to as "transceiver 126") on the termination unit 122. Each UI 124 may include, for example, output components (e.g., an array of indicator lights) and / or input components (e.g., an array of buttons and / or a touchscreen), and UIs 124A and 124B may be the same as or different from each other. Transceiver 126 may be connected to wireless router 108 ( Figure 1The termination unit 122 is designed to allow wireless communication between the termination unit 122 and another computer machine (not shown). However, in some embodiments, only one termination unit 122 includes a transceiver 126. Furthermore, termination unit 122A includes a path database 128 containing data about the intended (i.e., planned) configuration of the data center 100, such as information about servers 102 / 104, cables 110 (e.g., their polarity), and connectors 114 (e.g., such as...). Figure 2 (as shown), and data of the expected communication path between channel 116, segment 118 and server 102 / 104. However, in some embodiments, both termination units 122 include path database 128, and in other embodiments, path database 128 is stored on another computer machine that is separate from but communicatively connected to test tool 120.

[0020] In the illustrated embodiment, from the perspective of the new server 104, some of the channels 116 are transmit paths, while others are receive paths. In the example, channels 116A-116F may be transmit paths, and channels 116G-116L may be receive paths. On the other hand, from the perspective of the existing server 102, the function of the channels 116 is reversed. In such an example, according to the existing server 102, channels 116G-116L will be transmit paths, and channels 116A-116F will be receive paths. This dichotomy between transmit and receive paths may be due to the fiber optic hardware configuration of servers 102 / 104. In some embodiments, the test tool 120 may include an optical transceiver on each channel 118, allowing termination units 122 to communicate bidirectionally (i.e., transmit and receive) from each location on their respective connectors 114. Thus, the test tool 120 can use the termination units 122 to verify that each channel 116 follows its planned path, which ensures correct communication between servers 102 / 104.

[0021] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of method 200 using testing tool 120. During the discussion of method 200, please refer to the information on... Figures 1-3Some components are discussed. In the illustrated embodiment, method 200 begins at operation 202, where channels 116 are established by planning or constructing communication paths in data center 100 and selectively connecting cables 110 via connector 114. At operation 204, existing server 102 is disconnected from cable 110F, and test tool 120 is connected to each end of the established channels 116 (i.e., termination unit 122A is connected to cable 110A, and termination unit 122B is connected to cable 110F). At operation 206, a test protocol is executed to verify that each channel 116 starts and / or ends at the expected location. At operation 208, the results of operation 206 are communicated to a user (not shown). If the results indicate a fault in data center 100, remedial measures can be applied at operation 210. For example, if test tool 120 indicates that cable 110 with incorrect polarity has been installed in data center 100, the user can replace cable 110 with cable with correct polarity in operation 210.

[0022] Typically, operation 206 may include transmitting an optical signal from one termination unit 122 to another termination unit 122 via channel 116. For example, if a signal is transmitted from a first position on termination unit 122A, then termination unit 122B should receive the signal at its sixth position because channel 116A is connected to the first position of termination unit 122A (in...). Figure 3 The middle is marked as " （1） A) and the sixth position of termination unit 122B (in Figure 3 The middle is marked as " （6） Similarly, if a signal is sent from the second position on termination unit 122A, then termination unit 122B should receive the signal at its fifth position, because channel 116B is connected to the second position of termination unit 122A (A"). Figure 3 The middle is marked as " （2） B) and the fifth position of termination unit 122B ( Figure 3 The middle is marked as " （5） A”).

[0023] In the illustrated embodiment, during operation 206, the receiving termination unit 122 can monitor all its communication locations, allowing it to potentially receive signals from any of the channels 116A-116L. Optical signals from the transmitting termination unit 122 can be transmitted sequentially from each location at a single wavelength (e.g., the color of light within and / or outside the visible spectrum) (i.e., one at a time), or optical signals can be transmitted simultaneously at all locations at multiple different wavelengths, with different wavelengths used for each different channel 116. In the first case, the temporal separation of the signal can be used to determine which location of the receiving termination unit 122 each channel 116 terminates at. In the second case, the wavelength separation of the signal can be used to determine which location of the receiving termination unit 122 each channel 116 terminates at. This information can be used to determine the path of the channel 116 through the data center 100, since the order and / or color of the emitted optical signals are known to the transmitting termination unit 122.

[0024] In some embodiments, operation 206 may have two phases—one where termination unit 122A sends and termination unit 122B receives, and another where termination unit 122B sends and termination unit 122A receives. This may be advantageous, for example, in cases where some channels 116 only support unidirectional communication. Additionally, this may be advantageous if one or more of the cables 110 have incorrect polarity or are not properly mounted on the patch panel 106.

[0025] Figure 5 This is a flowchart of method 300 for operating test tool 120. During the discussion of method 300, please refer to the relevant documentation. Figures 1-4 Some components are discussed. For example, method 300 may represent some or all of operations 206 and 208 in method 200. In the illustrated embodiment, method 300 begins at operation 302, initiating (i.e., starting) test tool 120. At operation 304, a first test parameter is selected by a user (or a pair of users, each operating one of the termination units 122) to manage the test, wherein, for example, termination unit 122A is a transmitter and termination unit 122B is a receiver. In the illustrated embodiment, method 300 occurs without metadata communication between termination units 122 regarding the test signals to be transmitted via channel 116. Therefore, the signal parameters used for testing (i.e., what signal order and / or wavelength) are either selected from a predetermined set of test parameters or ad hoc from an option list. These selections may be made, respectively, via UI 124, on one or both termination units 122. However, in some embodiments, fixed parameters may exist that test tool 120 always uses.

[0026] In the illustrated embodiment, at operation 306, for example, at termination unit 122A to termination unit 122B, at least one test signal is sent (i.e., the first stage). In some embodiments, where all test signals are sent simultaneously at different wavelengths, operation 306 occurs only once before method 300 proceeds to operation 308. However, in some embodiments, where test signals are sent sequentially one at a time, method 300 can proceed to operation 308 after each signal and return to operation 306 for the next signal (e.g., ...). Figure 5 (As shown by the dashed arrow in the diagram), until all signals have been sent. At operation 308, the results of the signals(s) sent in operation 306 are sent, for example, by the user of termination unit 122B, and received, for example, by the user of termination unit 122A. However, in some embodiments, the results are sent by termination unit 122B itself. In such embodiments, operation 308 is visually performed by illuminating a light on UI 124B, which indicates, for example, where the signal was received (if the signals were sent sequentially). In some embodiments, operation 308 is visually performed by illuminating a light array on UI 124B, which indicates, for example, the wavelength of each signal (or its visible spectrum) received at each location (if the signals were sent simultaneously). In some embodiments, operation 308 is performed by UI 124B displaying the order and / or wavelengths of the received signals and associating them with their respective locations in an alphanumeric manner, which can then be read by the user the next time they interact with termination unit 122B, or by a user partner operating termination unit 122B. In some embodiments, the received signals can be correlated with their respective positions by using fixed test parameters known to the two termination units 122 (e.g., always sending signals sequentially from the first position to the twelfth position and / or always encoding the first position as red, the second position as orange, etc.).

[0027] In the illustrated embodiment, after all results are received in operation 308, method 300 proceeds to operation 310. Operation 310 can be similar to operation 304, where a second test parameter is selected by a user (or a pair of users, each operating a termination unit 122) to manage the test, where, for example, termination unit 122B is a transmitter and termination unit 122A is a receiver. Operations 312 and 314 can be similar to operations 306 and 308, but signals can be sent from and received by opposite termination units 122 (e.g., sent from termination unit 122B and received by termination unit 122A, i.e., the second stage). After all results are received in operation 314, method 300 proceeds to operation 316. At operation 316, the test results from operations 308 and 314 are analyzed by the user(s). For example, a user can consult path database 128 (located in testing tool 120 or on another computer) to determine if channel 116 begins and ends at its expected location. If so, data center 100 is ready to install the new server 104 because its communication connection with the existing server 102 has been verified. However, if one or more channels 116 fail to follow their expected path, a user can analyze cable 110 to troubleshoot and reconfigure data center 100 before proceeding with the installation of the new server 104 (according to operation 210).

[0028] Method 300 provides a relatively simple and straightforward process for verifying that cables 110 and channels 116 are correct, without requiring the installation, connection, and operation of servers 102 / 104. However, if the termination units 122 are far apart (e.g., out of line of sight), the visual indications of Method 300 may be more difficult to use. In this case, for each termination unit 122, there may be users who can communicate with each other via alternative communication media (e.g., using a cellular phone) to the steps taken in Method 300.

[0029] Figure 6 This is a flowchart of an alternative method 400 for operating test tool 120. During the discussion of method 400, please refer to the section on... Figures 1-4Some components are discussed. For example, method 400 may represent some or all of operations 206 and 208 in method 200. In the illustrated embodiment, method 400 begins at operation 402, initiating (i.e., starting) test tool 120. At operation 404, first test parameters are transmitted from transmitting termination unit 122 to receiving termination unit 122 (e.g., from termination unit 122A to termination unit 122B) using optical signals. This has the advantage of allowing a single user to operate test tool 120 and eliminating the need for additional hardware for communication between termination units 122. This transmission is metadata communication, which describes the first test itself and occurs separately from the test signal being transmitted. In some embodiments, metadata communication is transmitted as a digital signal, while the test signal is transmitted as an analog signal at a specific wavelength.

[0030] In some embodiments, transmission at operation 404 occurs using some or all of the respective channels 116. The advantage of using all respective channels 116 includes that messages will be received even if some channels 116 do not reach the receiving termination unit 122. In other embodiments, transmission occurs using alternative communication media (e.g., using a wireless router 108 and / or a cellular network). The advantage of using alternative communication media includes that messages will be received even if no channel 116 reaches the receiving termination unit 122. Operation 404 may include parameters for transmitting signals (e.g., what signal order and / or wavelength) and information about the channel 116 being tested (e.g., what signal should be received at what location). In some embodiments, the path database 128 (in...) can be used... Figure 3 (As shown in the figure) Retrieve information about the channel 116 being tested. In some embodiments, operation 404 involves user input (e.g., selection of test parameters, polarity of the cable 110 between termination units 122, where to receive what signal, and / or indication of which cables 110 and / or channels 116 in data center 100 are being tested), but in some embodiments, user input is not required.

[0031] At operation 406, a first test signal is sent (e.g., from termination unit 122A to termination unit 122B, i.e., the first stage). Then, method 400 proceeds to operation 408, which can be identical to operation 404, wherein a second test parameter is sent from and received by the opposite termination unit 122 (e.g., from termination unit 122B to termination unit 122A). However, in some embodiments, operation 408 is combined with operation 404 because the initial sending termination unit 122 (e.g., termination unit 122A) can specify the second test parameter. At operation 410, a second test signal is sent (i.e., the second stage), and at operation 412, the results of the first and second tests are received by one or both termination units 122. For example, if only termination unit 122A is used to analyze the results in operation 414, then termination unit 122B sends the results of the first test to termination unit 122A (since the results of the second test will be known to termination unit 122A, because termination unit 122A is the receiver in the second test). Messages sent in operation 412 can be sent via one or more of the channels under test 116 or using alternative communication media. The results of the tests in operation 412 can be, for example, determining which signals were received at which locations, and / or determining whether the test was successful based on a comparison of the expected locations where signals were received with the actual locations where test signals were received.

[0032] At operation 414, test results from operation 412 are analyzed, for example by the user and / or by the testing tool 120 itself, to determine whether cable 110 is correct by analyzing whether channel 116 starts and ends at its expected location. If so, data center 100 is ready to install new server 104 because the communication connection with existing server 102 has been verified. However, if one or more channels 116 fail to follow their expected path, the user can analyze cable 110 to troubleshoot data center 100 before proceeding with the installation of new server 104.

[0033] Operating the test tool 120 according to method 400 involves communicating metadata about the test being performed via termination unit 122. However, compared to method 300, method 400 requires fewer users to verify that the cable 110 and channel 116 are correct. Furthermore, although the termination units 122 are geographically distant (e.g., out of line of sight to each other), method 400 can even be performed by a single user.

[0034] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a test tool 120 connected to channel 116 in data center 100'' with an incorrect connection. Channel 116 with a correct connection to data center 100' (e.g.) Figure 3Compared to (as shown), cable 110E' has type A polarity, which differs from the type B polarity of cable 110E (as shown). Figure 3 The comparison is the reverse of (as shown). In executing method 200 (as shown) Figure 4 As shown) (which may include respectively in Figure 5 and Figure 6 The error will be detected during some or all of the methods 300 and / or 400 shown in the diagram.

[0035] In the illustrated embodiment, it is assumed that channel 116G-116I provides access from the new server 104 to the existing server 102 (both in...). Figure 1 As shown in the diagram, unidirectional communication is performed, and the first test is a test of channels 116G-116I from termination unit 122A to termination unit 122B. If the first test reveals that channel 116G ends at the seventh position (although expected to end at the twelfth position), channel 116H ends at the eighth position (although expected to end at the eleventh position), and channel 116I ends at the ninth position (although expected to end at the tenth position), then cable 110E' will be detected. Similarly, assuming channels 116J-116L provide unidirectional communication from existing server 102 to new server 104, then an error will be confirmed when a second test of channels 116J-116L from termination unit 122B to termination unit 122A occurs. Because it will be assumed that channels 116J-116L occupy positions nine, ten, and eleven, the second test will reveal to termination unit 122B that "channel 116J" (which is actually channel 116I) ends at position nine (although it is expected to end at position ten), "channel 116K" (which is actually channel 116H) ends at position eight (although it is expected to end at position eleven), and "channel 116L" (which is actually channel 116G) ends at position seven (although it is expected to end at position twelfth). The discovery that channels 116G-116L do not end at their expected positions allows the user to quickly identify problems with fiber optic cables 110 in data center 100''. This reduces downtime required to remedy the problem, as it was discovered before the new server 104 was installed.

[0036] Figure 8 Is it using path database 128 (e.g.) Figure 1 The flowchart of method 500 for analyzing test results is shown. During the discussion of method 500, reference can be made to... Figures 1-7Some components are discussed. For example, method 500 may represent some or all of operation 208 in method 200 and / or operation 414 in method 400. Additionally, method 500 may be performed by test tool 120 (i.e., termination units 122A and / or 122B) or by another computer machine capable of accessing path database 128. In the illustrated embodiment, method 500 begins at operation 502, in which test tool 120 uses test parameters to identify which channels 116 have been tested and in which directions (e.g., from termination unit 122A to termination unit 122B or vice versa). At operation 504, test tool 120 uses information from path database 128 to create a model or virtual simulation of data center 100' (or a portion of data center 100) to map the channels 116 under test. In some embodiments, the model may be limited to some or all of the channels 116 under test, but in some embodiments, a larger portion of the data center 100' is modeled (e.g., all channels 116 connected to the same patch panel 106 to which the channels 116 under test are connected). At operation 506, the test tool 120 traces each channel 116 under test to determine their expected end location.

[0037] In the illustrated embodiment, at operation 508, these expected end positions of channels 116 are compared with their actual end positions (i.e., including signals transmitted via the misplaced cable 110E') from tests on data center 100''. At operation 510, erroneous channels 116 are identified, for example, by determining which channels 116 end in incorrect positions, and method 500 proceeds to operation 512 (as per...). Figure 8 (Indicated by the lines marked "(multiple) cables"). Operation 510 may include analyzing whether any channel 116 is not receiving and / or transmitting any signals, even though other channels 116 in the same cable 110 are receiving and / or transmitting signals. This situation may indicate that one or more segments 118 (e.g., filaments in fiber optic 112) are damaged, but other segments are functioning. In some embodiments, method 500 will immediately notify the user which cables 110 may be affected and stop the execution of method 500. Once the user has repaired the affected (multiple) cables 110, the data center 100 can be retested (e.g., using method 300 or 400), and method 500 can resume at operation 508 using the new test results (e.g., ...). Figure 8 (Indicated by the dashed line marked "damaged"). However, if no faulty channel is identified in operation 510, method 500 ends (as shown). Figure 8 (Indicated by the dashed line marked "none" in the middle).

[0038] In the illustrated embodiment, at operation 512, the polarity of one of the cables 110 including the faulty channel 116 (i.e., cables 110A, 110C, 110E, or 110F) is changed in the model. At operation 514, the modified model is used to simulate a test to find the end position of the simulation and to determine the end position of the simulation. At operation 516, the end position of the simulation is compared with the actual end position. At operation 518, if the end position of the simulation is not the same as the actual end position, method 500 returns to operation 512. In the next loop-back of operations 512-518, the initially changed cable 110 may be changed to another polarity and / or a different cable 110 may be changed. If necessary, the loop of operations 512-518 may be repeated to cover all different permutations that may exist in the affected portion of data center 100''.

[0039] However, if at operation 518 the simulated end position is the same as the actual end position, method 500 proceeds to operation 520. At operation 520, for example, using UI 126A, UI 126B and / or another computing machine, the user is notified of (multiple) incorrect cables 110 (e.g., cable 110E'), and the user is notified of (multiple) correct cables 110 (e.g., cable 110E) to be used based on path database 128. Thus, the user can use test tool 120 to test channel 116 and automatically receive solutions for errors involving cable 110.

[0040] Furthermore, in some embodiments, method 500 may exhaust every different combination of cable 110 during the cycle of operations 512-518 and will never match the expected configuration. In this case, tool 120 can determine that there is a damaged cable 110 in data center 100''. For example, this error can be isolated by analyzing which channels 116 did not receive a signal during operation 508.

[0041] Various embodiments of this disclosure are described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. Alternative embodiments may be devised without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Note that various connections and positional relationships (e.g., above, below, adjacent, etc.) are illustrated between elements in the following description and drawings. These connections and / or positional relationships may be direct or indirect unless otherwise stated, and this disclosure is not intended to be limiting in this respect.

[0042] The following definitions and abbreviations are used to interpret the claims and specification. As used herein, the terms “comprises / comprising,” “includes / including,” “has / having,” “contains / containing,” or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a composition, mixture, process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements is not necessarily limited to those elements, but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such compositions, mixtures, processes, methods, articles, or apparatus. Furthermore, any numerical ranges included herein include their boundaries unless expressly stated otherwise.

[0043] The following is a non-exclusive description of some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure.

[0044] A method for testing an optical fiber communication channel according to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure (among other possible provisions) includes: transmitting a first plurality of test parameters from a first termination unit of a test tool to a second termination unit of a plurality of communication channels via at least one of a plurality of communication channels extending from a first cable endpoint to a second cable endpoint via at least a first optical fiber cable, wherein: the first cable endpoint is connected to the first termination unit, and the second cable endpoint is connected to the second termination unit; and the first plurality of test parameters include a plurality of wavelengths of a first plurality of test signals; transmitting the first plurality of test signals from the first termination unit to the second termination unit via the plurality of communication channels; and receiving test results from the second termination unit via at least one of the plurality of communication channels. Such a method can provide the technical effect and / or advantage of verifying that each communication channel follows its planned path, which ensures correct communication between components (e.g., servers) at each termination of the communication channel.

[0045] Additionally and / or alternatively, the methods described in the foregoing paragraphs may optionally include any one or more of the following features, configurations, and / or additional components:

[0046] In another embodiment of the aforementioned method, each of the first plurality of test signals has a different wavelength among a plurality of wavelengths. Such embodiments can provide the technical effect and / or advantage of allowing the simultaneous transmission of multiple test signals.

[0047] In another embodiment of any of the foregoing methods, each of the first plurality of test signals is transmitted on a different communication channel among the plurality of communication channels. Such an embodiment can provide the technical effect and / or advantage of allowing a second termination unit to determine where the communication channel ends.

[0048] In another embodiment of any of the foregoing methods, the method further includes: receiving a second plurality of test signals from a second termination unit via a plurality of communication channels by a first termination unit. Such embodiments can provide the technical effect and / or advantage of verifying whether each communication channel follows its planned path, which ensures correct communication between components (e.g., servers) at each termination of the communication channels by performing tests in the opposite direction to the first plurality of test signals.

[0049] In another embodiment of any of the foregoing methods, the first plurality of test parameters includes multiple wavelengths of the second plurality of test signals. Such embodiments can provide the technical effect and / or advantage of informing the second termination unit what the expected first plurality of test signals are.

[0050] In another embodiment of any of the foregoing methods, the method further includes: receiving a second plurality of test parameters from a second termination unit by a first termination unit. Such embodiments can provide the technical effects and / or advantages of informing the first termination unit what the expected second plurality of test signals are.

[0051] In another embodiment of any of the foregoing methods, the method further includes: analyzing a first plurality of test signals to determine whether the first fiber optic cable has the correct polarity to connect each of the plurality of communication channels as intended in the data center. Such embodiments can provide technical effects and / or advantages that allow users to determine whether a data center needs to be reconfigured.

[0052] In another embodiment of any of the foregoing methods, the method further includes: determining, based on analysis of a first plurality of test signals, that the first optical fiber cable has an incorrect polarity; and having a tool suggest the correct polarity of the first optical fiber cable. Such embodiments can provide technical effects and / or benefits informing users how to reconfigure a data center.

[0053] In another embodiment of any of the foregoing methods, determining that the first fiber optic cable has incorrect polarity includes comparing the expected termination position of each of the plurality of communication channels with respect to the second termination unit with the actual termination position of each of the plurality of communication channels included in the test results. Such embodiments can provide the technical effect and / or advantage of allowing inspection of each communication channel to eliminate the possibility of one or more filament damages as a problem in the data center.

[0054] In another embodiment of any of the foregoing methods, the method further includes: modeling multiple communication channels based on the expected configuration of the data center; changing the polarity of a first fiber optic cable in the model; and using the model with the changed polarity of the first fiber optic cable to perform a simulation test. Such embodiments can provide technical effects and / or advantages for troubleshooting data centers to find incorrect and / or damaged cables.

[0055] In another embodiment of any of the foregoing methods, the method further includes: monitoring each of the plurality of communication channels by a second termination unit during the transmission of the first plurality of test signals. Such embodiments can provide the technical effect and / or advantage of increasing the chance of receiving test signals even if the communication channels are incorrectly routed.

[0056] In another embodiment of any of the foregoing methods, the method further includes: disconnecting the first fiber optic cable from the server; and connecting the first termination unit to the first fiber optic cable. Such embodiments can provide the technical effects and / or advantages of allowing the use of the tool in locations where existing servers are already installed.

[0057] In another embodiment of any of the foregoing methods, wherein: the first fiber optic cable includes a first cable endpoint; the second fiber optic cable includes a second cable endpoint; and the first and second fiber optic cables are connected to a patch panel. Such embodiments can provide the technical effects and / or advantages of allowing communication channels to extend through multiple cables in a structured cabling environment.

[0058] An exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure provides an optical fiber communication channel testing system (among other possible provisions) comprising: a first termination unit configured to be connected to a first cable endpoint of a first optical fiber cable and configured to transmit metadata communication about the test and transmit optical test signals through at least some of the communication channels in the first optical fiber cable; a second termination unit configured to be connected to a second cable endpoint communicatively connected to the first cable endpoint and configured to receive metadata communication about the test and optical test signals from at least some of the communication channels in the first optical fiber cable; and a path database communicatively connected to at least one of the first and second termination units, the path database including data representing intended communication channels through a data center to connect a first server to a second server, wherein the intended communication channels extend through at least the first optical fiber cable. Such a system can provide technical effects and / or advantages that allow the testing system to determine where the communication channels are intended to go in the data center, which can be verified using optical test signals.

[0059] Additionally and / or alternatively, the fiber optic communication channel test system described in the preceding paragraphs may optionally include any one or more of the following features, configurations, and / or additional components:

[0060] In another embodiment of the aforementioned optical fiber communication channel testing system, the first termination unit is configured to transmit each of the optical test signals at different wavelengths and on different communication channels. Such an embodiment can provide the technical effect and / or advantage of allowing the simultaneous transmission of multiple test signals.

[0061] In another embodiment of any of the aforementioned fiber optic communication channel testing systems, metadata communication includes which different wavelengths are transmitted on which different communication channels. Such embodiments can provide the technical effect and / or advantage of allowing a second termination unit to determine where the communication channel ends.

[0062] A method for testing an optical fiber communication channel according to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure (among other possible provisions) includes: receiving test parameters from a first termination unit of a test tool via at least one of a plurality of communication channels, the plurality of communication channels extending from a first cable endpoint to a second cable endpoint via at least a first optical fiber cable, wherein: the first cable endpoint is connected to the first termination unit, and the second cable endpoint is connected to the second termination unit; the test parameters include the sequence of test signals; receiving the test signals from the first termination unit via the plurality of communication channels by the second termination unit; and analyzing the test signals based on the test parameters to determine whether the first optical fiber cable has the correct polarity to connect each of the plurality of communication channels as intended in a data center. Such a method can provide the technical effects and / or advantages of allowing the test tool to be used in situations where it is not an additional component of the communication (other than the communication channel itself) and / or where there is a large distance between the termination units of the test tool.

[0063] Additionally and / or alternatively, the methods described in the foregoing paragraphs may optionally include any one or more of the following features, configurations, and / or additional components:

[0064] In another embodiment of any of the foregoing methods, each of the test signals is associated with one of a plurality of communication channels in the test parameters. Such embodiments can provide the technical effect and / or advantage of allowing a second termination unit to determine where the communication channel ends.

[0065] In another embodiment of any of the foregoing methods, the method further includes displaying the analysis results of the test signal on the user interface of the second termination unit. Such embodiments can provide the technical effect and / or advantage of allowing users to receive test results.

[0066] In another embodiment of any of the foregoing methods, the method further includes: sending subsequent test parameters for a subsequent test to the first termination unit via the second termination unit. Such embodiments can provide the technical effect and / or advantage of allowing testing to be performed in the opposite direction to the initial test.

[0067] Various embodiments of the invention have been described for illustrative purposes, but are not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the disclosed embodiments. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments. The terminology used herein has been chosen to best explain the principles of the embodiments, their practical application, or technical improvements to techniques found in the market, or to enable those skilled in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A method for testing an optical fiber communication channel, the method comprising: A first termination unit of the test tool transmits a plurality of test parameters to a second termination unit of the test tool via at least one of a plurality of communication channels, wherein the plurality of communication channels extend from a first cable endpoint to a second cable endpoint via at least a first optical fiber cable, wherein: The first cable endpoint is connected to the first termination unit, and the second cable endpoint is connected to the second termination unit; and The first plurality of test parameters include multiple wavelengths of the first plurality of test signals; The first termination unit transmits the first plurality of test signals to the second termination unit through the plurality of communication channels; and The first termination unit receives the test results from the second termination unit through at least one of the plurality of communication channels.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, Each of the first plurality of test signals has a different wavelength among the plurality of wavelengths.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein, Each of the first plurality of test signals is transmitted on a different communication channel among the plurality of communication channels.

4. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: The first termination unit receives a second plurality of test signals from the second termination unit through the plurality of communication channels.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein, The first plurality of test parameters include multiple wavelengths of the second plurality of test signals.

6. The method according to claim 4, further comprising: The first termination unit receives a second plurality of test parameters from the second termination unit.

7. The method of claim 1, further comprising analyzing the first plurality of test signals to determine whether the first optical fiber cable has the correct polarity to connect each of the plurality of communication channels as intended in the data center.

8. The method according to claim 7, further comprising: Based on the analysis of the first plurality of test signals, it is determined that the first optical fiber cable has an incorrect polarity; as well as The tool is used to suggest the correct polarity of the first optical fiber cable.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein, Determining that the first fiber optic cable has incorrect polarity includes comparing the expected termination position of each of the plurality of communication channels with respect to the second termination unit with the actual termination position of each of the plurality of communication channels included in the test results.

10. The method of claim 8, further comprising: The multiple communication channels are modeled based on the expected configuration of the data center; Change the polarity of the first fiber optic cable in the model; as well as The test was simulated using a model with the changed polarity of the first optical fiber cable.

11. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: During the transmission of the first plurality of test signals, each of the plurality of communication channels is monitored by the second termination unit.

12. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: Disconnect the first fiber optic cable from the server; as well as Connect the first termination unit to the first optical fiber cable.

13. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The first optical fiber cable includes the first cable endpoint; The second optical fiber cable includes the second cable endpoint; as well as The first and second fiber optic cables are connected to the patch panel.

14. A fiber optic communication channel testing system, comprising: A first termination unit is configured to connect to a first cable end of a first optical fiber cable and is configured to transmit metadata communication about the test and transmit optical test signals through at least some of the communication channels in the first optical fiber cable. A second termination unit is configured to be connected to a second cable endpoint and configured to receive metadata communications about the test and the optical test signal from at least some of the communication channels in the first fiber optic cable, wherein the second cable endpoint is communicatively connected to the first cable endpoint. as well as A path database, communicatively connected to at least one of the first termination unit and the second termination unit, the path database including data representing a planned communication channel connecting the first server to the second server via a data center, wherein the planned communication channel extends at least through the first optical fiber cable.

15. The optical fiber communication channel testing system according to claim 14, wherein, The first termination unit is configured to transmit each of the optical test signals at different wavelengths and on different communication channels.

16. The optical fiber communication channel testing system according to claim 15, wherein, Metadata communication includes which different wavelengths are transmitted on which different communication channels.

17. A method for testing an optical fiber communication channel, the method comprising: Test parameters are received from the first termination unit of the test tool by the second termination unit of the test tool through at least one of a plurality of communication channels, wherein the plurality of communication channels extend from the first cable end to the second cable end through at least a first optical fiber cable, wherein: The first cable endpoint is connected to the first termination unit, and the second cable endpoint is connected to the second termination unit; and The test parameters include the order of the test signals; The second termination unit receives the test signal from the first termination unit through the plurality of communication channels; and The test signal is analyzed based on the test parameters to determine whether the first fiber optic cable has the correct polarity to connect each of the plurality of communication channels as expected in the data center.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein, Each of the test signals is associated with one of the plurality of communication channels in the test parameters.

19. The method of claim 17, further comprising: The analysis results of the test signal are displayed on the user interface of the second termination unit.

20. The method of claim 17, further comprising: The second termination unit sends the subsequent test parameters of the subsequent test to the first termination unit.

Images